UPDATE: Samsung SDI reached out to us to state that they had not specifically discussed a battery joint venture with Rivian.
Rivian’s multiple delays are partially at fault.
The EV start-up company also made unreasonable requests according to Samsung.
It’s unclear what impact this falling-out with Samsung will have on Rivian’s production and product plans. The pair were in talks to form a battery-making joint venture but it’s no longer going to happen.
Samsung will continue to supply Rivian with batteries. The goal of this venture was to build a factory capable of producing 100GWh annually by 2025. According to thelec, Rivian went a little too far with its demands and requirements.
One of the issues is that Rivian would not commit to purchasing a certain amount of batteries from Samsung. The EV company also wanted to inspect the interior of the factories where the batteries are made. And potentially the most unacceptable request of all was that Rivian wanted a transfer of the battery-making technology.
Stellantis and Samsung to Build Batteries in the US Together
The constant production woes and delays at Rivian, along with the above, were enough for the leadership of the Samsung Group to decide that they were no longer going ahead with the alleged joint venture plans.
Back in October of 2021, Stellantis and Samsung announced a partnership of their own. The two situations may not be coincidental.
